Driving appliances

Kenstar has appointed Milan Wahi as chief operations officer. Wahi will oversee brand building, product development and distribution expansion for the home appliances brand. Wahi has over 24 years of experience in various consumer sectors like FMCG and consumer durables. An alumnus of Bangalore University and the Institute of Rural Management Anand, he has served as the chief operating officer of J K Dairy and the managing director of Lotte India Corporation.

Digital agent

Rage Communications has appointed Neville Medhora as head of India business. Medhora, who was heading Rediffusion-Y&R's Mumbai office, joins the digital communications agency after a 20-year journey across several leading advertising agencies in India. Medhora has had substantial stints with Equus, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA and JWT. He caught the digital bug about six years ago and spearheaded digital initiatives of clients within the boundaries of the traditional off-line format.

Smartphone partner

Gionee Mobiles has appointed Mullen Lintas as its creative partner, as the Chinese smartphone maker aims to increase its market share and challenge leading players in India. As the custodian of the brand, the agency will handle the strategy, planning and creative responsibilities of Gionee Mobiles, which is targeting a market share of 10 per cent in India this fiscal. At present, the market share of Gionee is around five per cent. Initial work has begun on the launch of a new identity and should be out in the market soon. Gionee will look to flood the market with new offerings especially during the ongoing cricket season.

Creative head

BBDO India has appointed Ritu Sharda as senior executive creative director - Delhi. Prior to joining BBDO India, Sharda led the creative work on brands such as Sony Bravia and HCL in her role as executive creative director at ITSA Brand Innovations. She also marked her directorial debut with films for Sony Bravia. Her creative influence spans agencies such as McCann, Publicis India, DDB Mudra and Contract. At BBDO India, Sharda will lead a creative team for existing accounts such as 7 Up, Quaker Oats, Mirinda, Zandu, Wrigley's, SC Johnson and Exxon Mobil.